Preach!

"When was the last time you heard a good, loud "amen" in church? I can't think of a time when anyone has shouted me down in holy agreement with the Word. We clap at the end of our songs and when someone shares a testimony, but when's the last time you heard someone clap after the reading of the Scripture or during the offering"  Michael Catt, The Power of Surrender

A couple of months ago a couple visited are church and we were in for a pleasant surprise. He "amened ... that's right ... preach ... and, uh ohed" us through the sermon. Pastor Larry and his wife, Felecia, joined with our fellowship a few weeks ago and my heart has been lifted with his boisterous agreement during the sermon.

At my home church, 30 years ago, there would occasionally be amens, but none of the other churches we've attended added this affirmation during the sermon. Southern Baptist Convention president, Fred Luter, was invited to a conference at my home church many years ago and WOW did I hear the excitement from the audience. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Pastor Luter thrilled my soul with his energetic words of Scripture!

Now, once again, a fellow worshipper holds nothing back as he agrees with God's message on Sunday mornings. Last week I even heard a few others verbally affirm words spoken by our pastor. You know, I think our pastor has even found new excitement as he preaches because of voiceful agreement in the congregation!

Michael Catt, in the MasterWord Sunday School literature on "The Power of Surrender" says,

"God is looking for a remnant, for kindling wood to start the fires of revival. And it all begins with surrender. We must surrender ourselves to God in total abandonment. There is power in surrender."

Might I say there is great power in voicing our agreement in the preached Word! Will this quiet listener rise to the occasion. I don't know, but my heart sure does! The next time Pastor Larry stands up and claps I may just shout Amen!

The snap above is of my first greenhouse! Jerry picked up the stand at a flea market and we put it in the enclosed area at the back door. Every night I bring in the plants we've bought and what a joy to see them there. Jerry said I must keep flowers there because the fragrance is so wonderful when we go in and out. I agree! The trash can in the left corner holds Sams food so we don't have to worry about any other smell competing with the flowers.